T5
Cooled from the extrusion temperature (press quench) and then artificially aged. Lower cost, because there is no separate solution heat treatment. Suits smaller sections that cool fast enough at the press.
Medium-strength extrusion alloy
6005 / 6005A Aluminium Bar (T5, T6)
6005 and 6005A are Al-Mg-Si alloys that sit between 6063 and 6082: stronger than 6063, easier to extrude than 6061 or 6082, and with a good surface straight off the press. Metline supplies 6005 and 6005A round, square, hex and flat bar in T5 and T6 to EN 755-2 and ASTM B221, cut to length and certified, to customers worldwide.
- Alloys
- 6005 · 6005A (Al-Mg-Si)
- Tempers
- T5, T6
- Shapes
- Round, square, hex, flat
- Standards
- EN 755-2 · ASTM B221
What are 6005 and 6005A aluminium bars?
6005 is an Aluminum Association alloy; 6005A is its European cousin registered under EN 573-3 as EN AW-6005A (AlSiMg(A)). Both are heat-treatable 6xxx alloys strengthened by Mg2Si precipitates. Their silicon content is a little higher than magnesium needs, which gives good strength with lower press pressure and faster extrusion than 6061 or 6082.
The practical result is a bar that reaches a T6 yield of about 225 MPa (specified minimum, EN 755-2) with a cleaner extruded surface than 6082 and better extrudability in complex shapes. That is why 6005A dominates rail-car body extrusions, bridge decks, scaffolding and many structural frames, and why bar in the same alloy is used where machined parts must match those structures.
For bar, 6005 and 6005A are less common than 6061 or 6082 and are usually ordered when a designer wants the same alloy as the surrounding extrusions, for weld compatibility and identical corrosion behaviour, or when T5 press-quenched bar is acceptable and saves a separate heat-treatment step.
6005 and 6005A chemical composition (wt %)
The main difference: 6005A allows more manganese, chromium and copper (with a combined Mn + Cr band), which refines grain structure and lifts toughness and strength in thicker sections.
| Element | 6005 (AA) | 6005A (EN AW-6005A) |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.6 – 0.9 | 0.50 – 0.9 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.40 – 0.6 | 0.40 – 0.7 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.30 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.30 |
| Mn + Cr | — | 0.12 – 0.50 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.20 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 |
| Others, each / total | 0.05 / 0.15 | 0.05 / 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder | Remainder |
Mechanical properties of 6005A and 6005 bar
EN 755-2 sets minimum values for 6005A-T6 rod and bar by diameter or across-flats size. Strength falls slightly with section size because thick bar cools more slowly at quench.
| Temper and size (EN 755-2, rod/bar) | Tensile Rm min. | Proof Rp0.2 min. | Elongation A min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6005A-T6, ≤ 25 mm | 270 MPa | 225 MPa | 10 % |
| 6005A-T6, > 25 – 50 mm | 270 MPa | 225 MPa | 8 % |
| 6005A-T6, > 50 – 100 mm | 260 MPa | 215 MPa | 8 % |
| Temper (typical values) | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6005A-T6 | about 285 MPa | about 240 MPa | about 12 % | about 90 HB |
| 6005-T5 | about 305 MPa | about 270 MPa | about 12 % | about 95 HB |
| T4 (either alloy) | about 190 MPa | about 105 MPa | about 18 % | about 55 HB |
Typical values are for comparison only. Design to the specified minimums on the mill certificate. ASTM B221 also lists 6005-T5 extrusions for thinner sections; state the standard you need on the order.
Physical properties (T6)
- Density
- 2.70 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- about 69 – 70 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- about 180 – 190 W/m·K
- Electrical conductivity
- about 47 – 50 % IACS
- Coefficient of thermal expansion
- about 23.5 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)
- Melting range
- about 605 – 655 °C
T5 or T6: which temper of 6005 bar?
T6
Solution heat-treated (or effectively press-quenched for thin sections) and artificially aged to peak strength. The usual temper for structural and machined bar, and the one EN 755-2 gives bar minimums for.
T4
Solution treated and naturally aged. Softer and more formable; parts can be bent then aged to T6 afterwards.
T6511-type stress relief
Stretched after quenching to relieve residual stress, so bars stay straight during machining. Ask for it when the bar will be heavily machined.
Standards and equivalents
| System | 6005 | 6005A |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Association / ASTM | 6005 – ASTM B221 | not registered by AA |
| UNS | A96005 | — |
| European (EN) | EN AW-6005 (AlSiMg) | EN AW-6005A (AlSiMg(A)), EN 755-2, EN 573-3 |
| German Werkstoff | — | 3.3210 (AlMgSi0.7) |
| China (GB) | 6005, GB/T 3191 | 6005A, GB/T 3191 |
In Europe, rail vehicles are designed to EN 15085 for welding, and bridges and buildings to EN 1999 (Eurocode 9), where 6005A-T6 is a listed structural alloy. If your bar is part of such a structure, quote the design code so the right tolerance and certificate level can be applied.
6005 / 6005A bar sizes and weights
Supply range
- Round bar
- about 5 – 200 mm diameter (larger on request)
- Square bar
- about 5 – 150 mm
- Hex bar
- about 5 – 100 mm across flats
- Flat bar
- thickness about 3 – 40 mm, width 10 – 200 mm
- Length
- 1 – 6 m random or fixed; cut pieces to drawing
- Surface
- Mill finish; anodised or polished on request
Weights are theoretical at 2.70 g/cm³. Round bar: 0.002121 × d² kg/m; square bar: 0.0027 × a² kg/m (sizes in mm).
| Diameter (mm) | Approx. inch | kg per metre | kg per 3 m bar | lb per foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.39 | 0.212 | 0.64 | 0.142 |
| 12 | 0.47 | 0.305 | 0.92 | 0.205 |
| 16 | 0.63 | 0.543 | 1.63 | 0.365 |
| 20 | 0.79 | 0.848 | 2.54 | 0.570 |
| 25 | 0.98 | 1.33 | 3.98 | 0.891 |
| 30 | 1.18 | 1.91 | 5.73 | 1.282 |
| 40 | 1.57 | 3.39 | 10.18 | 2.280 |
| 50 | 1.97 | 5.30 | 15.90 | 3.562 |
| 60 | 2.36 | 7.63 | 22.90 | 5.130 |
| 80 | 3.15 | 13.57 | 40.72 | 9.120 |
| 100 | 3.94 | 21.21 | 63.62 | 14.250 |
| 120 | 4.72 | 30.54 | 91.61 | 20.519 |
| 150 | 5.91 | 47.71 | 143.1 | 32.062 |
| 200 | 7.87 | 84.82 | 254.5 | 56.999 |
Square bar weights:
| Side (mm) | Approx. inch | kg per metre | kg per 3 m bar | lb per foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.39 | 0.270 | 0.81 | 0.181 |
| 12 | 0.47 | 0.389 | 1.17 | 0.261 |
| 16 | 0.63 | 0.691 | 2.07 | 0.464 |
| 20 | 0.79 | 1.08 | 3.24 | 0.726 |
| 25 | 0.98 | 1.69 | 5.06 | 1.134 |
| 30 | 1.18 | 2.43 | 7.29 | 1.633 |
| 40 | 1.57 | 4.32 | 12.96 | 2.903 |
| 50 | 1.97 | 6.75 | 20.25 | 4.536 |
| 60 | 2.36 | 9.72 | 29.16 | 6.532 |
| 80 | 3.15 | 17.28 | 51.84 | 11.612 |
| 100 | 3.94 | 27.00 | 81.00 | 18.143 |
Machining, welding, forming and finishing
Machining
Good in T5 and T6, with short chips. Not as free-cutting as 2011 or 6262, but similar to 6061. Use sharp carbide and flood coolant.
Welding
MIG and TIG weld well with ER4043 or ER5356 filler. As with all 6xxx alloys, the heat-affected zone softens; Eurocode 9 gives reduced design strengths for welded 6005A.
Forming
Bend in T4 and age afterwards for tight radii. T6 accepts moderate bends.
Anodising
Gives a good, even anodised finish; better than 6082, slightly behind 6063 for decorative work.
Corrosion
Good in normal atmospheres. In marine exposure, anodise or paint, or choose a 5xxx alloy for immersed parts.
Temperature
Like other 6xxx alloys, prolonged exposure above about 150 °C over-ages and softens it.
Applications of 6005 and 6005A bar
- Rail: brackets, connectors and machined fittings for 6005A car-body extrusions
- Bridges and access structures: pins, connectors and parts for aluminium footbridges and gangways
- Building: curtain-wall fixings, structural connectors and guardrail parts
- Scaffolding and ladders: spigots, connectors and couplers
- Electrical and solar: mounting parts and conductor supports
- General engineering: frames, conveyors and machine parts where a medium-strength, easily extruded alloy suits
6005A compared with 6063, 6061 and 6082
| Property | 6063-T6 | 6005A-T6 | 6061-T6 | 6082-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. tensile, bar | about 215 MPa | 270 MPa | 260 MPa | 295 – 310 MPa |
| Min. proof, bar | about 170 MPa | 225 MPa | 240 MPa | 250 – 260 MPa |
| Extrudability | Excellent | Very good | Fair | Fair |
| Surface after extrusion | Excellent | Very good | Good | Fair |
| Typical use | Architectural | Rail, bridges, structures | General engineering | Heavy structural, machined parts |
Choose 6005A when you need more strength than 6063 and a better surface or more complex shape than 6082 allows. For maximum strength in solid bar, 6082-T6 or 6061-T6 are more widely available and usually the better commercial choice.
How to order 6005 / 6005A bar
- SpecifyAlloy and temper (for example 6005A-T6), shape and size, length or cut pieces, quantity, and the governing standard (EN 755-2, ASTM B221 or GB/T 3191).
- QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerance class, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your destination.
- ProcessBars are cut to length or to blanks on request, end-marked with alloy, temper and lot number, and inspected for size, straightness and surface.
- DocumentEach shipment carries a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 with chemistry and tensile results, plus the packing list; third-party inspection on request.
- ShipBundles are wrapped and packed in seaworthy wooden cases or on pallets and sent by sea or air to your port or door.
References and standards
- EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
- ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- EN 1999-1-1 (Eurocode 9) – Design of aluminium structures
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
6005 / 6005A aluminium (aluminum) bar: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 6005 and 6005A?
6005A allows more manganese, chromium and copper, with a required Mn + Cr band of 0.12 – 0.50 %. This refines the grain structure and gives slightly better toughness and strength in thicker sections. 6005 is the Aluminum Association grade used in North America; 6005A is the European grade.
Is 6005A stronger than 6061?
Close, but slightly lower in yield. EN 755-2 gives 6005A-T6 bar a minimum proof stress of 225 MPa, against about 240 MPa for 6061-T6 bar. 6005A extrudes more easily and gives a better surface.
What is the difference between T5 and T6 for 6005 bar?
T5 is cooled at the press and then aged; T6 is fully solution treated and aged. For thin sections the properties can be similar; for thicker bar T6 is more reliable and is the temper EN 755-2 specifies for bar.
Can 6005A bar be welded?
Yes, with MIG or TIG using ER4043 or ER5356 filler. The heat-affected zone loses part of its T6 strength, so welded designs use reduced allowable stresses as set out in Eurocode 9 or the governing code.
How much does a 50 mm 6005A round bar weigh?
About 5.30 kg per metre at 2.70 g/cm³, so a 3 m bar weighs about 15.9 kg.
Need 6005 or 6005A bar?
Send alloy, temper, shape, size and quantity. We will confirm availability, certification and a delivered price.
